Daniel Wayne Rickard, 78, of Fort Wayne, formerly of Ada, Ohio, died Friday, April 3, 2026, at Majestic Care Jefferson Pointe in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born September 5, 1947, in Hart, Michigan, the son of Willis and Dorothy (Wood) Rickard.

Daniel graduated from Hart High School in 1965. He attended Marion College for 4 years prior to enlisting in the US Army, where he served 20 years in the Army Band from where he retired in 1990. This was followed by 15 years at Durez Corporation in Kenton, Ohio, from where he retired again. Lastly he worked as a school bus driver and ended his working career at Upper Scioto Valley Schools in McGuffey, Ohio for over 10 years until retiring one last time in 2019.

Daniel found his ultimate joy behind the wheel and in the pages of automotive lore. His eyes sparkled as he soaked in tales and technical details of cars, his passion ignited by the hum of engines and the thrill of the open road. He may hold the record for the longest Car and Driver magazine subscription, even making his family visit the Car and Driver headquarters in Ann Arbor during a family trip! His fondness for boating and enthusiasm for sporting events, particularly supporting the University of Michigan Wolverines, provided him with great pleasure throughout his life, especially watching games with his son. It even provided well intentioned rivalry with his Buckeye daughter and son-in-law😉. Music was his vocation and it served him well. His years at Marion College included majoring in music to be a band director and earning a spot on the varsity quartet that traveled to many churches and venues to perform. This led to his ability to test for the Army Band and pass (by one point!!). In the Army Band he played saxophone, served as the Drum Major, and eventually as the Band Master Sergeant.

Daniel is survived by: his son, Andrew (Jennifer) Rickard; his daughter, Tasha (Rick) Werry; 2 grandchildren, Max Rickard and Zachary Rickard; 4 step-grandchildren; 1 step-great-grandchild; his brother, Stan (Chris) Rickard; 2 sisters-in-law, JoEllen Rickard and Carole Rickard; and several nieces and nephews.

Daniel was preceded in death by: his parents; and his brothers, Ronald Rickard, Gary Rickard, and Douglas Rickard.

Daniel Wayne Rickard lived life in the fast lane (taking great pride in reducing the time it took to get to Mears with each trip), but with a steady hand on the wheel, leaving behind a legacy of passion, loyalty, and love for family and machine (even the old Sears lawn tractor of his dad’s that he restored to its original blue). His journey may have reached its final destination, but the engine of his memory will keep roaring in the hearts of those who knew him.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel. Interment will follow in Mears Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held Friday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Building Bridges to Careers (bb2careers.org/sponsor) or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com